Our Story
​​Hakuna Matata Animal Trust became an officially recognised charity in May of 2023. Leading up to this, the trust had been running since October 2021, with our journey of rescuing animals beginning with our first official rescue, Mustard. Since then we have rescued, re-homed and fostered 89 animals while also having a hand in multiple animal rescue missions, where we have contributed to helping rescue approximately 368 animals with the combined efforts of other sanctuaries, animal carers and animal rights activists. ​
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Prior to this, the charity's founder, Hayley, had always had some part to play in rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for animals from a young age. After having two pet pigs who sadly passed away, she decided she was going to make a difference and start saving animals, which is when she came up with the idea to create Hakuna Matata Animal Trust.
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As we began to gain traction online, we gained a lot of pleas for help to take on animals who desperately needed re-homing and/or a place to stay. We are now home to and have been home to animals of all shapes and sizes such as pigs, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils and both domestic and feral cats alike!
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We are excited to see where the future of this cause goes and we look forward to saving and having a positive impact on many more furry little lives to come!
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We are still a very young charity so, despite having a large number of supporters online, we often find ourselves needing to cover animal care costs out of our own pockets, which can be extremely hard considering the times we are in. We are hopeful that with the combined efforts of our trustees, volunteers and supporters that we will soon be through the hard times and be able to continue to grow as a charity and cause, allowing us to rescue more lives! If you would like to know how you can help us, you can visit the donate, volunteer or get involved pages to find out more!
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An Afterword From The Charity Founder,
Hi, I'm Hayley! I'm a small business owner and a mum of two who has always had a huge love for animals.
Growing up with animals in the family home and seeing them as part of the family is what really taught me the respect I have for all living beings, and by the time I was 7 I was doing voluntary work at local sanctuaries.
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It had always been my dream to have an animal sanctuary of my own, where I could take in and love all animals that needed a safe place to call home.
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Hakuna Matata Animal Trust came about after me having 2 pet pigs, that through their breeding had numerous health problems. When they passed away it spurred me on to finally make my dream a reality and to help other pigs and animals that would have otherwise been destroyed or sent off for slaughter.
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We are a new, small animal sanctuary, that only became official early 2023, but we have already given safe haven to 6 pigs, 2 sheep, 2 rabbits, 2 gerbils, 5 feral cats and a cockerel.
With the help of volunteers and donations we hope to eventually expand and be able to take in many more animals over years to come!
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Edit: Hi, I'm Kaci and I'm helping my mum create this website so she can share this incredible journey with you all. I'd like to also put in a word, albeit without her knowing, and say that there is no one more loving and gentle natured than my mum. These animals honestly couldn't be in better hands. I remember hearing my mum talk about this dream of hers while I was growing up and couldn't be more proud and happy for her that she has achieved this. Thank you all for your support to this beautiful sanctuary.
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If you hover on the About tab, you can then click on further tabs to find out more about the animals.